Secrets to Coloring Your Arowana

1 Secrets to Coloring Your Arowana

1. Feeding

A fish’s vivid color comes from a thin pigment-cell layer between the epidermis and dermis. The most variable are red and golden arowana, which carry more red and yellow pigment cells. Those cells are made mainly of carotenoids, which the fish cannot make on its own and must get from food. Carrots, sweet potatoes, water spinach, and mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, but arowana will not eat vegetables directly, so feeder insects like crickets and mealworms act as the bridge—indirect feeding supplies the nutrients. For example, raising mealworms on carrots tints the fish orange, and color-enhancing feeds can turn it red. This kind of coloring is temporary; stop the natural-pigment feeds and the fish eventually returns to normal.

2. Lighting (Chameleon Effect)

Lighting uses the chameleon effect. Against a black, deep-blue, or wine-red opaque background, the head, back, and base color tend to darken; against a bright background, the base color stays pale. Lay red cloth on the tank bottom, add some black-water tonic, and use a submersible side light at an angle to effectively boost color and beauty. This mimicry method needs long-term commitment or it easily fails.

3. Water Quality

Arowana adapt well. They prefer slightly acidic water, but once accustomed, stable water is what matters. Stable water is also a major factor in good coloration.

4. Temperament

Bold, hot-tempered fish usually color most intensely, while fish that are constantly bullied fade. Mixed stocking is therefore difficult because it is hard to satisfy every fish, so it is generally not recommended. If a single fish seems boring, add a few small, gentle tank mates.

Note: Coloration rests on these four points together. Keep them up consistently for the best result.